For many people, a holiday is not the same if they cannot bring their dog with them. The thought of getting away for a break without the canine members of the family is unthinkable.
Happily, there are many options for bringing your dog with you on a trip to Ireland.
There are several choices of accommodation that are happy to welcome dogs, as well as attractions and facilities all over the island where you and your pooch can enjoy spending time together.
Getting to Ireland
If you already live in Ireland and are looking to spend time exploring the country with your dog, it is easy enough to bring your pet with you in your own or a hire car, or by public transport.
Always make sure that you travel with your pet’s comfort as a priority, scheduling plenty of stops for them to eat, drink and relieve themselves.
If you are travelling from another country, check online well in advance of your travel date about what you need to do to bring your dog legally into the country.
You will need to have your dog microchipped, apply for an animal health certificate or similar paperwork and treat/vaccinate your pet for medical issues like tapeworm and rabies.
Allow extra time to care for dogs at ferry ports and airports and monitor them continuously during the voyage.
Planning a dog-friendly break in Ireland
Ireland offers a wide range of choices for dog-friendly holidays, including coastal getaways and city breaks.
The key to a successful canine-filled break is to remain as flexible as possible in order to meet the needs of your dog and adapt what you do and how you plan to take their needs into account.
Pack what you need to look after them, including food, water bottles, dog bed, hardness or lead etc. as you may not be able to access these things quickly once you arrive at your holiday base.
Find out where the nearest vet is in advance too, in case of emergencies while you are away.
Self-catering accommodation, such as the holiday cottages and houses offered by Hidden Ireland can offer the ideal holiday location for dogs as they can relax in their own surroundings, with plenty of space to run around, privacy to sleep and eat in safety and exciting new places to explore.
Hotels may not allow dogs to stay, while it can be harder to keep tabs on dogs if you stay on a camp site with lots of people around, for example.
Where to take your dog on holiday in Ireland
On the whole, Ireland is a warm, welcoming country that is well adapted to dogs and their owners.
It is blessed with plenty of beautiful places with stunning scenery where visitors can safely take their dogs.
These include the Wild Atlantic Way in counties Galway and Kerry, which are full of dog-friendly walking routes, woodlands and beaches to explore, as well as the National Trust run Giant’s Causeway and Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland.
In larger cities like Dublin, there are numerous parks, riverside walks and dog-friendly amenities to enjoy, as well as pubs and cafes that allow dogs inside and even grooming parlours to give your pooch their own holiday treat while you are away.
Always check online if you are unsure if your dog is allowed somewhere. A pawprint scheme can give a good indication of places to aim for that will be better geared up to welcome you and your dogs on holiday.
The Hidden Ireland website also has clear guidance on which of its properties around Ireland are able to accept bookings for parties that include dogs.
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